Sectional bookcase.



No` 764,839. A PATBNTBD JUIZYaz, 1904.

Ppw. GASLER. A SBGTIONAL BooKGAsB.-

APPLIGATION FILED JULY 2, 1900. EBNEWED JAN. 23, 1904.

No MODEL.

UNITED STATES Patented July 12, ieee.

PATENT Trice.

SECTIONAL BOOKCASE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N0. 764,839, dated July 12, 1904. Application filed July 2, 1900. Renewed Ianuary 23, 1904. Serial llo. 190,365. (No model.)

T0 all ill/1.0711, it puny concern:

Be it known that I, PHILo VILLIAM CAsLER, a citizen of the United States, residing at Littlefalls, in the county of Herkimer and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Sectional Bookcases, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to that class of bookcases which are built up of a number of separable compartments adapted to rest one on top of the other; and the object of the invention is to provide a simple, inexpensive, and durable bookcase of this kind.

Referring to the accompanying drawings, Figure l is a perspective view of my improved bookcase, showing two sections thereof, with the door of the upper section removed. Fig. 2 isa vertical cross-section of one of the sections. Fig. 3 is a top plan view of one of the sections, showing the connection between the sides and the back of the shelf and the swinging door. Fig. 4 shows the locking device for securing two abutting bookcases together'. Fig. is a longitudinal section of the bottom of the section, showing the adjustable supporting-rod for same.

Similar letters refer to similar parts throughont the several views.

A represents the bottom, B the sides, and C the back, of one of the sections, each section being open at its top.

D and E represent four upwardly-projecting corner-plates which Aare secured at the upper corners of each section, the front corner-plates D being provided with inwardlydirected tongues D, adapted to engage two vertical slots AQ cut in the bottom of Aeach section adjacent to the sides thereof. The projecting portions of the corner-plates are adapted to receive the lower corners of the adjoining section and guard against lateral displacement of the sections. The tongues D engaging the slots A holds the upper forward sides of the sections perfectly rigid, as it guards against lateral movements in both directions.

F represents a swinging door which is suspended from the upper side portions of the sections by means of two hooks G, secured to the inner side of the door and engaging thebottom of the adjoining section.

the angular bends H in two horizontal rods running parallel to the sides of the section. Ihe main portions of these rods provide bearslides back in a horizontal position, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 3, the operation of the door being first to swing upwardly and then to slide inwardly underneath In order to facilitate the sliding motion of the door, I connect same with two spring-arms K, having rearwardly-directed tendencies and which are secured to the back of the section. The forward end portions of these arms are loosely connected to the door by means of links L, which engage two eyelets M, secured to the upper inner portion of the door. These links prevent any binding of the arms and causes same to operate in perfect unison. By having the springarms connected with the door at some distance below the point at which the door is suspended the spring-arms draw the door shut when the same is swung down. In order to promote a perfect joint between the door and the shelf, the edge of the door is preferably beveled and provided with felt linings N. For the purpose of preventing' the bottom of the shelf from sagging I provide same with a supporting-rod A9, having a central depending portion A2, which engages the under side of the shelf through an intermediate bearing-rod A2. The end portion of this rod is secured to the end of the shelf and the tension of same adjusted by nuts A5. In order to obviate objectional obstructions and improve the appearance of the shelf, the Linder' side of the shelf is provided with a recess A, extending throughout the length of the shelf and adapted to accommodate the supporting-rod. Then itis desired to unite endwise two abutting sections, the screws D2, holding' the front corner-plates, may be substituted by screws having buttons D3 and connected by means of a fork D", as indicated in Fig. 4..

IVhile I have described the above features of construction in connection with separable bookcases, it is evident that they may be used with advantage in connection with other structures. The simple connections of the ings and support for the door when the same IOO swinging door permit the same to be readily applied to all kinds of shelves.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new1 and desire to secure by Letters l. A bookcase comprising two or more opentopped sections adapted to be placed one above the other, the Lipper portion of each section being provided with upwardly projecting corner-plates, the upper inner sides of each section having an upwardlyprojecting tongue adapted to engage the bottom of the adjoining section and prevent the upper front portion of the sides of the sections from spreading apart, substantially as described. 2. ln combination with a shelf provided with a depending' portion to be engaged by the depending central portion of the rod, an adjustable straightening device comprising a tension-rod extending substantially i'rom one end of the shelf to the other and having a depending central portion engaging the central portion of the shelf, means for adjusting the tension of the said rod, substantially as described.

3. A bookcase comprising two or more opentopped sections adapted to be placed one above the other, each section being provided with projecting corner-plates adapted to engage the corners of the adjoining section, means for preventing the upper Jfront portion of the sides of the sections from spreading apart, a door suspended in the front portion of the section adapted to swing upwardly and then rearwardly, a spring connected at one end to the rear portion of the section and the other end to the said door, said spring being adapted to automatically draw the door rearwardly when the same assumes a horizontal position, a straightening device for the shelf or bottom portion of the sections, substantially as described. y

PHIL() WILLIAM CASLER.

Witnesses:

RUSH F. LEWIS, C. J. LUNDsTRoM. 

